Arsenal are enjoying a good moment of form after scoring nine goals in their last two matches following their surprise 2-0 League Cup exit at home to Southampton.
They have the chance to go top of the Premier League if they can beat Stoke by a two-goal margin, although with Chelsea set to play on Sunday that may only prove temporary.
Stoke are also enjoying their football at the moment and their poor start to the season is well behind them. They have won four of their last six in the league to move into the top 10.
They are unbeaten in their last four matches but the idea Arsenal struggle against them has changed in recent years. The Potters have not scored in any of their last three matches against Arsenal and have lost each of the last six at the Emirates. Place your bet on Naijabet.com
Team News
Arsenal – Arsene Wenger rotated his squad in the 4-1 win over Basel in the Champions League in midweek but could name a more familiar XI this weekend. Lucas Perez scored a hat-trick in the win and will be hoping to retain his place at home to Stoke on Saturday.
Per Mertesacker is back in training but hasn’t featured for Arsenal competitively since April. Without a real pre-season under his belt, he is still a way off a return to first-team action.
Hector Bellerin is also back in training after missing November with ankle ligament damage, but Gabriel could keep his place in the team this weekend with Bellerin a possibility for the midweek round of fixtures next week.
Stoke – Scan results have revealed Bruno Martins Indi has not fractured his cheekbone and the defender should be free to play against Arsenal this weekend.
Ryan Shawcross has missed Stoke’s last two matches with a calf injury and will not recover in time for the trip to London. Marc Muniesa has played well in his absence and should partner Martins Indi here.
Marko Arnautovic was forced off in their 2-0 win over Burnley last weekend with a knock but is expected to recover in time to feature here. Johnathan Walters could retain his starting berth over Wilfried Bony.
There will be no return to action for Jack Butland, who has suffered another setback in his return from injury.
With Glenn Wheland and Joe Allen available, Mark Hughes suddenly has anumber of options in midfield areas and some tough decisions will need to be made.
Match Facts
Arsenal have won their last 9 home matches against Stoke in all competitions.
Arsenal have been winning at both half time and full time in 6 of their last 8 home matches against Stoke in all competitions.
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 8 of Stoke’s last 9 games in Premier League.
Arsenal are undefeated in their last 13 in Premier League matches.
Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 home matches against Stoke in all competitions.
Arsenal have scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 home matches against Stoke in all competitions.
As at this post Arsenal 1.33 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Stoke has 9.48 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 5.47.